In the latest podcast, Ali talks to writers Graham Lironi and Graeme Macrae Burnet about their latest novels (Oh Marina Girl and His Bloody Projectrespectively), both of which have been published on Saraband Books’ crime imprint, Contraband.

The three go on to discuss crime fiction and subverting readers’ expectations, genre fiction, the problem with labels, the importance of editing, unreliable narration, the health or otherwise of the Scottish writing community, and what’s really important in the life of a writer. They struggle manfully not to give away any plot spoilers, and just about manage it.

Clocking in at just over the hour, the time just flew by and we hope you enjoy the chat as much as we did recording it. We’re calling it “a must listen for anyone interested in reading, writing and all things bookish”, and we wouldn’t lie about something like that.

Already established as a name to trust, Contraband Books are consistently proving that crime fiction doesn’t need to be stereotypical, formulaic and one dimensional, and Oh Marina Girl and His Bloody Project are perfect examples of this. Both feature in Scots Whay Hae’sBest Books of 2015 list, and mark Graham Lironi and Graeme Macrae Burnet as among the more innovative and interesting writers around today, and Saraband as one of our best publishers.

If you aren’t yet a subscriber to the podcast you can do so, (or simply listen) at iTunes or by RSS. There’s a sizeable back catalogue waiting for you. You can also download it by clicking on the relevant link to the right of this post, or, if you want it right here, right now, you can listen on SoundCloud:

The next podcast will be our roundup of 2015, with Ian, Chris, a festive missive from Ronnie and at least one special guest. Over the years its pretty much become our Christmas party, so do come and join us…